[A] week-long drug roundup in the Washington County area has resulted in 25 arrests on drug and firearms charges, according to Vermont State Police.
The sweep by federal, state and local law enforcement authorities was the culmination of an investigation into drug smuggling and distribution that lasted several months, police said in a release. They said 45 officers took
part in the operation, which was aimed at disrupting the flow of drugs to and from Vermont.
“This enforcement action exemplifies the exceptional results we can achieve when we work together toward our shared goals of peace and safety for Vermonters,” U.S. Attorney Christina Nolan said.
“This series of arrests will make a substantial impact in Washington County and go a long toward promoting safety for its law abiding citizens,” the state’s chief federal prosecutor said. “There is no place in Vermont for trafficking of opioids or for use of firearms in connection with the drug trade.”
Col. Matthew T. Birmingham, director of the Vermont State Police, said, “This joint effort shows residents of Vermont that law enforcement is keeping them and their communities safe. Drug dealers and traffickers will be aggressively pursued.”
Most of the changes involved the possession and sale of heroin and crack cocaine. The defendants will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Vermont Attorney General’s Office and the Washington County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Two of those arrested are facing federal felony charges. Joel Bonano, 26, was charged with distribution of drugs and Dylan Avery, 20, was charged with possession of a firearm.
Also charged:
• Emily Smith, 33, Kathy Huckins, 45, Jessica Isabelle, 29, Sarah Meier, 49, and April Walbridge, 34, each with one count of selling crack cocaine.
• Jeri Walbridge, 52, possession of crack cocaine.
• Kevin Lacillade, 27, Susan Silva, 25, and Beth Townsend, 27, two counts each of selling crack cocaine.
• Amanda Atkins, 33, Juan Rodriguez Jr., 29, Mike Perry, 30, and Scott Roggensack, 32, three counts each of selling crack cocaine.
• Louise Lane, 64, one count of selling oxycontin.
• Jessica Premont, 32, and Corey Rico, 35, one count of selling heroin.
• Ben Currier, 29, two counts of selling heroin and for an active warrant relating to other charges.
• Rebecca Dwire, 19, three counts of selling heroin.
• Heather Keough, 27, four counts of selling heroin.
• Bobbi Sleeper, 36, two counts of selling heroin and crack cocaine.
• Dakota Austin, 25, two counts of selling heroin and possession of crack cocaine.
• Lindsay Piro, 39, two counts of selling crack cocaine and possession of heroin.
• Anthony Milo, 31, three counts of selling crack cocaine and heroin, and possession of crack cocaine.
Nolan praised the combined effort aimed at combating the drug crisis in the state.
“This sweep could not have happened without the collaboration of law enforcement at all levels and the cooperation of federal, state, and local prosecutors,” she said.
